Houllier set for high noon departure

Liverpool are expected to announce Gerard Houllier’s departure from the club at midday today, according to a report.

The Reds will announce a public parting of the ways, but are sure not to describe Houllier’s exit as a sacking, according to BBC reporter Phil McNulty.

Chairman David Moores and his board have not given public backing to the manager after he achieved the “minimum requirement” of Champions League qualification by finishing fourth.

The Reds trailed Premiership champions Arsenal by 30 points and were 15 points behind third-placed Manchester United.

Houllier won five trophies in 2001 and won the League Cup for a second time in 2003, but has failed to return the club to the past glories of the 1970s and 1980s.

The Frenchman insisted at the weekend that he was “100% certain” to remain in charge at Anfield, even though fourth place was deemed to be the minimum requirement of chairman David Moores.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, Charlton’s highly-rated Alan Curbishley and Valencia coach Rafael Benitez have all been reported as contenders to succeed Houllier.